Root Herb Cuttings in Potting Mix

Taking softwood cuttings from fast-growing oregano and basil now gives you extra plants for free in just a few weeks.

15 minuteseasypropagation

Snip a 10cm stem just below a leaf joint from healthy growth.
Strip off the lower leaves, leaving only the top two pairs.
Insert the bare lower stem into a small pot filled with moist potting mix.
Place the pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil lightly moist until fresh leaves appear.

Why it works

Softwood stems are actively growing and full of natural hormone, allowing them to form strong new roots rapidly when placed in soil.

Plant of the day

Burweed

Xanthium strumarium

A globally distributed annual herb famous for its hooked burs that attach to fur and clothing. It is highly adaptable but often considered a toxic weed in pastures.

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Gardening news

Bumper year for Plant Heritage as youngest holder joins

A plant charity recognized 19 new plant collections in October, including one cared for by a 19-year-old from Devon who is the organization's youngest collection owner ever.

The Dirt · 2026-11-02

New research

Scientists Create Genetic Markers to Breed Disease-Resistant Watermelons

Researchers at Clemson University and the USDA created genetic markers to identify disease resistance in watermelons. These tools help breeders quickly select plants resistant to fungal wilt and other destructive infections. The method reduces crop losses and cuts down on pesticide use.

news.clemson.edu · 2026-10-29

On this day

Scottish Botanist Daniel Rutherford Was Born on November 3

On 3 November 1749, Scottish physician and botanist Daniel Rutherford was born. He served as professor of botany at the University of Edinburgh and keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. He is also remembered for discovering nitrogen gas during his early scientific studies.

lindahall.org

Written for the southern hemisphere. Gardening north of the equator? See the northern edition